Jameis Winston Sexual Assault Investigation Could Hurt Heisman Hopes

Jameis Winston, FSU’s star QB, is under investigation for a sexual assault case that took place in December of 2012 in Tallahassee, Florida. At this point, no official charges have been filed.

The complaint was filed on December 12, 2012 with the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD). Because the investigation is still open, the complainant is currently unnamed. According to Officer David Northway, spokesman for TPD, the complainant is cooperating with the State Attorney’s office.

On Wednesday morning the Tallahassee Democrat, which had been looking into the situation, requested police reports involving Winston. Throughout the day, TPD officials said they were redacting documents in response to the request. Late in the afternoon, Northway sent an email to a Democrat reporter containing the incident report. Soon after, the Democrat broke the news to other media sources.

The documents provided to the Democrat revealed very little. So far what is known is that the complainant had been drinking and that the incident under investigation took place at an apartment. The suspect was reported as being between 5’8″-5’11” and 240 pounds. Winston is listed in the FSU media guide as 6’4″ and 218 pounds.

Jameis Winston and the FSU football team are not speaking to the media concerning the issue. Coach Jimbo Fisher and Associate Athletic Director Rob Wilson have both confirmed that Winston’s status for Saturday’s game against Syracuse is unchanged. He will be the starting QB.

Winston is being represented by Tallahassee attorney Tim Jansen. In an official statement, Jansen said:

This case has been going on for over a year. The case was basically closed and we’re not sure why it’s opened up. We’ve been cooperating with the law enforcement agencies and we’re hoping to get a quick resolution in favor of Mr. Winston.

As a redshirt freshman, Winston has been turning heads all season. So far this season, he has passed for 26 touchdowns with only seven interceptions, while leading his team to a No. 2 ranking in the BCS. All of the success has propelled him into the media spotlight and to the top of Heisman Trophy conversations.

This potential scandal has the makings of trouble for the Heisman hopes of “Famous Jameis”, especially because the award is about integrity as a football player. Although there has been no official questioning of Winston yet, his involvement in the sexual assault investigation is sure to tarnish his image.